Agent for eliminating senescent cells

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an agent or pharmaceutical composition for eliminating senescent cells, comprising an SGLT2 inhibitor.

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.16/329,154 filed on Feb. 27, 2019, which is the U.S. National Phase ofPCT/JP2017/030867, filed Aug. 29, 2017, and which claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Application No. 2016-167679 filed in Japan, onAug. 30, 2016, the entire contents of all of which are expresslyincorporated by reference into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to novel use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

BACKGROUND ART

The numbers of patients suffering from obesity and diabetes areincreasing due to an excessive caloric intake and such fact becomes aserious social issue. Obesity and diabetes are known to cause chronicinflammation mediated by cellular senescence at visceral adipose tissuesand induce systemic metabolic failure. In addition, inhibition ofsenescence of adipocytes has been reported to improve adiposeinflammation and inhibit systemic metabolic failure associated withobesity (for example, see NPL 1).

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

-   [NPL 1] Minamino, T., et al., A crucial role for adipose tissue p53    in the regulation of insulin resistance., Nat. Med., 15, 1082-1087,    2009.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Under the above circumstance, there is a need for a technique toeliminate senescent cells. Therefore, an object of the present inventionis to provide an agent for eliminating senescent cells.

Solution to Problem

The present inventor has conducted extensive studies in view of theproblem and has found that a sodium glucose co-transporter 2(hereinafter referred to as “SGLT2”) inhibitor, known as an agent fortreating diabetes, had an activity to eliminate senescent cells, therebycompleting the invention.

In other words, a summary of the present invention is as follows:

[1] An agent for eliminating senescent cells, comprising an SGLT2inhibitor.

[2] The agent for eliminating senescent cells of the above-mentioned[1], wherein the SGLT 2 inhibitor is at least one selected from thegroup consisting of low molecular weight compounds, SGLT2 expressioninhibitors, and SGLT2-specific binding substances.

[3] The agent for eliminating senescent cells of the above-mentioned [1]or [2], wherein the SGLT 2 inhibitor is at least one selected from thegroup consisting of canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ipragliflozin,dapagliflozin, luseogliflozin, tofogliflozin, sergliflozin etabonate,remogliflozin etabonate, ertugliflozin, sotagliflozin, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[4] A pharmaceutical composition for eliminating senescent cells,comprising an SGLT2 inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[5] The pharmaceutical composition of the above-mentioned [4], whereinthe composition is for preventing or treating a disease in which thedisease state is expected to be improved by eliminating the senescentcells.

[6] The pharmaceutical composition of the above-mentioned [5], whereinthe disease in which the disease state is expected to be improved byeliminating the senescent cells is a senescence-related disease.

[7] A pharmaceutical composition for use in the prevention or treatmentof a senescence-related disease, comprising an SGLT2 inhibitor and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[8] The pharmaceutical composition of the above-mentioned [6] or [7],wherein the senescence-related disease is at least one selected from thegroup consisting of heart failure, arteriosclerosis, arterioscleroticcerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cerebralinfarction, cerebral hemorrhage, dyslipidemia, pulmonary fibrosis,emphysema, skeletal muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), osteoarthritis,dementia, frailty, cancer, chronic kidney disease, cataract, glaucoma,age-related macular degeneration, presbyopia, age-related alopecia,age-related hearing loss, pain associated with aging such as lumbar painand joint pain, asteatotic eczema, cutaneous pruritus, fatty liver,nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, osteoporosis,osteoarthropathy, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, Werner syndrome,Cockayne syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome.

[9] The pharmaceutical composition of any of the above-mentioned[4]-[8], wherein the SGLT 2 inhibitor is at least one selected from thegroup consisting of canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ipragliflozin,dapagliflozin, luseogliflozin, tofogliflozin, sergliflozin etabonate,remogliflozin etabonate, ertugliflozin, sotagliflozin, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[10] Use of an SGLT2 inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament foreliminating senescent cells.

[11] Use of an SGLT2 inhibitor in the manufacture of a medicament forpreventing or treating a disease in which the disease state is expectedto be improved by eliminating senescent cells.

[12] A method for eliminating senescent cells, comprising administratingan effective amount of an SGLT2 inhibitor to a subject in need thereof.

[13] A method for preventing or treating a disease in which the diseasestate is expected to be improved by eliminating senescent cells,comprising administrating an effective amount of an SGLT2 inhibitor to asubject in need thereof.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, senescent cells can be eliminatedand a disease in which the disease state is expected to be improved byeliminating the senescent cells can be prevented and/or treated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A TO 1C are photographs showing the results ofsenescence-associated acidic 3-galactosidase staining (ExperimentalExample 2). FIG. 1A shows the result for the normal diet group mice. Thescale bar indicates 5 mm. FIG. 1B shows the result for the high fat dietgroup mice. FIG. 1C shows the result for the high fat diet+SGLT2i groupmice.

FIG. 2 is photographs showing the results of Western blotting(Experimental Example 3).

FIG. 3 is graphs showing the results of quantitative RT-PCR(Experimental Example 4). The data are presented as mean 2 SE (n=6). NC:normal diet, HFD: high fat diet, Si3d: SGLT2 inhibitor administrationfor 3 days, Si7d: SGLT2 inhibitor administration for 7 days. *P<0.05,**P<0.01 (tested by Tukey's multiple comparison test after one-wayANOVA).

FIG. 4A is photographs showing the results of HE staining. The scale barindicates 200 μm. FIG. 4B is a graph showing the result of counting CLSnumber. (Experimental Example 5) The data are presented as mean 2 SE(n=6). NC: normal diet, HFD: high fat diet, Si7d: SGLT2 inhibitoradministration for 7 days. **P<0.01 (tested by Tukey's multiplecomparison test after one-way ANOVA).

FIG. 5A is photographs showing the results of evaluating oxidativestress by DHE staining. The scale bar indicates 100 μm. FIG. 5B is agraph of the result of measuring DHE positive area. (ExperimentalExample 5) The data are presented as mean 2 SE (n=6). NC: normal diet,HFD: high fat diet, Si7d: SGLT2 inhibitor administration for 7 days.*P<0.05, **P<0.01 (tested by Tukey's multiple comparison test afterone-way ANOVA).

FIG. 6A is graphs of the results of quantitative RT-PCR. The data arepresented as mean 2 SE (n=6). NC: normal diet, HFD: high fat diet, Si3d:SGLT2 inhibitor administration for 3 days, Si7d: SGLT2 inhibitoradministration for 7 days. *P<0.05 (tested by Tukey's multiplecomparison test after one-way ANOVA). FIG. 6B is photographs showingimmunofluorescence staining with F4/80. The data are presented as mean 2SE (n=3). NC: normal diet, HFD: high fat diet, Si3d: SGLT2 inhibitoradministration for 3 days, Si7d: SGLT2 inhibitor administration for 7days. *P<0.05 (tested by Tukey's multiple comparison test after one-wayANOVA). (Experimental Example 5)

FIG. 7 is graphs showing the results of quantitative RT-PCR(Experimental Example 6). The data are presented as mean 2 SE (n=5 or6). NC: normal diet, HFD: high fat diet, Si7d: SGLT2 inhibitoradministration for 7 days. *P<0.05, **P<0.01 (tested by Tukey's multiplecomparison test after one-way ANOVA).

FIG. 8A is photographs showing the results of senescence-associatedacidic β-galactosidase staining. The scale bar indicates 2 mm. FIG. 8Bis a graph showing the results of quantifying the senescence-associatedacidic β-galactosidase dyability for blood vessels. The data arepresented as mean 2 SE (n=4). *P<0.05 (Student's t-test). (ExperimentalExample 7)

FIG. 9 is graphs showing cell viability and apoptosis induction when2DG, 3HB, or AIC was added and when no reagent was added (Con)(Experimental Example 9) to young and aged HUVECs. The data arepresented as mean 2 SE (n=3). *P<0.05, **P<0.01 (tested by Tukey'smultiple comparison test after one-way ANOVA).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an agent orpharmaceutical composition for eliminating senescent cells, comprisingan SGLT2 inhibitor.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a medicament foreliminating senescent cells or use of an SGLT2 inhibitor in themanufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating a disease inwhich the disease state is expected to be improved by eliminatingsenescent cells. In yet another embodiment, the present inventionprovides a method for eliminating senescent cells or for preventing ortreating a disease in which the disease state is expected to be improvedby eliminating senescent cells, which method comprises administering aneffective amount of an SGLT2 inhibitor to a subject in need thereof.

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention provides an SGLT2inhibitor for use in eliminating senescent cells or for use inpreventing or treating a disease in which the disease state is expectedto be improved by eliminating senescent cells.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned agent,pharmaceutical composition, medicament, and the like contain the SGLT2inhibitor as an active ingredient.

Senescent Cell

The “senescent cell” herein refers to a cell that presents increasedexpression amount of a senescence marker as compared to a normal cell.The senescence marker includes senescence-associated acidicβ-galactosidase, p53, p16^(INK4a), p2^(CIP1) and the like. The senescentcell is characterized by irreversible cessation of growth at Gi phaseand is known to be formed due to suppression of genes that stimulateprogression of the cell cycle and increased expression of p53,p16^(INK4a), and p2^(CIP1) that inhibit the cell cycle.

The senescent cell may be a cell which has been arrested in the processof division but remains metabolically active. Non-dividing cells cansurvive for weeks but cannot proliferate and replicate DNA despite thepresence of sufficient space, nutrients, and growth factors in themedium. Thus, this cessation of the division is essentially permanentsince the senescent cells cannot be stimulated and proliferated even ifphysiological stimuli are applied to them.

The senescent cells can differ from the non-senescent cells in one ormore of the following points: 1) the senescent cells stop proliferatingand cannot be stimulated so as to reenter the cell cycle withphysiological mitogens; 2) the senescent cells become resistant toapoptotic cell death; and 3) the senescent cells acquire altereddifferentiation functions.

The senescent cell may result from replicative cell senescence,premature cell senescence, therapeutically-induced cell senescence, andthe like. The senescent cell resulting from replicative cell senescencemay have undergone multiple cell divisions, e.g., 40 or more, 50 ormore, 60 or more, 70 or more, or 80 or more cell divisions. Thesenescent cell resulting from premature cell senescence may be inducedby, but not limited to, ultraviolet radiation, reactive oxygen species,environmental toxins, smoking, ionizing radiation, distortion ofchromatin structure, excess mitogenic signaling, carcinogenic mutations,and the like. In certain embodiments, premature cell senescence can beinduced by ionizing radiation. In another certain embodiment, prematurecell senescence can be induced by ectopic transfected Ras protein. Thesenescent cell resulting from treatment-induced cell senescence may beinduced by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, DNA damaging therapy, andthe like.

The senescent cells to be subjected by the present invention maygenerally be eukaryotic cells. Examples of the senescent cells include,but are not limited to, mammary epithelial cells, keratinocytes,cardiomyocytes, chondrocytes, endothelial cells (macrovessels),endothelial cells (microvessels), epithelial cells, fibroblasts, dermalpapilla cells, hepatocytes, melanocytes, osteoblasts, preadipocytes,cells in immune system, skeletal muscle cells, smooth muscle cells,adipocytes, neurons, glial cells, contractile cells, exocrine epithelialcells, extracellular matrix cells, cells secreting hormones, keratoticcells, islet cells, lens cells, mesenchymal stem cells, pancreaticadenocarcinoma cells, small intestinal Paneth cells, cells inhematopoietic system, cells in nervous system, cells supporting sensoryorgans or peripheral nerve cells, and wet stratified barrier epithelialcells.

In addition, the senescent cells to be subjected by the presentinvention may also be found in regenerative tissues, including vascularsystem, hematopoietic system, epithelial organs, and stroma. Thesenescent cells may also be found at senile sites or sites in chronicconditions associated with senescence such as osteoarthritis andatherosclerosis. In addition, the senescent cells may be associated withbenign dysplastic lesions, precancerous lesions, or benign prostatichyperplasia. In one embodiment, the senescent cells may be found innormal and/or tumor tissues after DNA damaging therapy. In anothercertain embodiment, the senescent cells may be found at sites in diseasestates associated with senescence.

The number of senescent cells in various organs and tissues usuallyincreases with age. Accumulation of the senescent cells may advancesenescence and degradation under senescence-related diseases. Forexample, accumulation of the senescent cells in senescent tissue maycontribute to age-related tissue dysfunction, decreased regenerativecapacity, and diseases. In one embodiment, the senescent tissue in whichthe senescent cells have accumulated lacks the ability to respond tostress in which proliferation is required, which results in the decreasein health which could be seen with aging.

Eliminating Senescent Cells

The “eliminating senescent cells” herein means removing the senescentcells from tissues, organs, or the like, or killing the senescent cells.It is particularly preferable that cells which are not the senescentcells (hereinafter referred to as “non-senescent cells”) are notsignificantly killed but the senescent cells are selectively orspecifically killed, at the same concentration.

Therefore, the 50% lethal concentration (Lethal Concentration 50,hereinafter referred to as “LC50”) of the SGLT2 inhibitor used in thepresent invention in the non-senescent cells may preferably be about 2to about 50 times higher than the LC50 of said SGLT2 inhibitor in thesenescent cells. LC50 is the concentration required to kill half of thecells in cell samples. For example, the LC50 in the non-senescent cellsmay be about 2 times or more, about 3 times or more, about 4 times ormore, about 5 times or more, about 6 times or more, about 7 times ormore, about 8 times or more, about 9 times or more, about 10 times ormore, or higher than the LC50 in the senescent cells. Alternatively, theLC50 in the non-senescent cells may be about 10 times or more, about 15times or more, about 20 times or more, about 25 times or more, about 30times or more, about 35 times or more, about 40 times or more, about 45times or more, about 50 times or more, or higher than the LC50 in thesenescent cells.

Accumulation of senescent cells is known to promote disease states ofsenescence-related diseases and the like. Thus, diseases in which thedisease state is expected to be improved by eliminating senescent cells,such as senescence-related diseases, can be prevented or treated byadministering the agent or pharmaceutical composition for eliminatingsenescent cells according to the present invention, thereby eliminatingthe senescent cells.

Senescence-Related Diseases

The “senescence-related diseases” herein can include any disease orcondition that is totally or partially mediated by the induction ormaintenance of a non-proliferative or senescent condition in a cell orcell population in a subject. The senescence-related diseases mayinclude tissue or organ degeneration in which signs of the diseasecondition are not visible, and visible disease conditions such asdegenerative diseases or hypofunctions.

Examples of the senescence-related diseases include Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease, cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma,atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, stroke,hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructivepulmonary disease (COPD), osteoarthritis, coronary artery disease,cerebrovascular disease, periodontal disease, atrophy or fibrosis invarious tissues, brain or heart injury, treatment-relatedmyelodysplastic syndrome, and the like. The senescence-related diseasesmay also include Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, Werner syndrome,Cockayne syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconianemia, neuropathic anemia, and the like.

Further examples of the senescence-related diseases include circulatorydiseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, e.g. angina pectoris, aorticaneurysms, arrhythmia, cerebral aneurysms, diastolic dysfunction,cardiac fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, carotid artery disease, coronarythrombosis, endocarditis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, mitralvalve prolapse, and peripheral vascular disease; inflammatory orautoimmune diseases, such as disc herniation, oral mucositis, erythema,interstitial cystitis, scleroderma, and alopecia; neurodegenerativediseases, such as dementia, Huntington's disease, motor neurondysfunction, memory loss associated with aging, depression, and mooddisorder; metabolic disease such as metabolic syndrome; pulmonarydiseases, such as decreased pulmonary function associated with aging,asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema; gastrointestinaldiseases such as Barrett's esophagus; diseases associated with aging,such as hepatic fibrosis, muscle fatigue, oral mucosa fibrosis,pancreatic fibrosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and sleepdisorder; reproductive failure, such as climacterium, decreased ovumsupply, decreased sperm viability, decreased fertility, decreasedlibido, decreased erection, and excitation; skin diseases, such asatopic dermatitis, skin erythema, cutaneous lymphoma, dysesthesia,eczema, eosinophilic dermatitis, fibrotic proliferation of skin,hyperpigmentation, immuno blistering disease, nevus, pemphigus vulgaris,itching, psoriasis, rash, reactive neutrophilic skin disease, wrinkles,and urticaria; posttransplant kidney fibrosis; carotid arterythrombosis; and the like.

Furthermore, preferred examples of the senescence-related diseasesinclude circulatory diseases, such as heart failure, atherosclerosis,arteriosclerotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, andhypertension; cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral infarction andcerebral hemorrhage; metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia;respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema;locomotive syndromes, such as skeletal muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) andosteoarthritis; geriatric syndromes, such as dementia and frailty;cancer; chronic kidney disease; ocular diseases, such as cataract,glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and presbyopia; age-relatedalopecia; age-related hearing loss; pain associated with aging, such aslumbar pain and joint pain; skin diseases, such as asteatotic eczema andcutaneous pruritus; liver diseases, such as fatty liver, nonalcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH), and liver cirrhosis; bone diseases, such asosteoporosis and osteoarthropathy; premature aging, such asHutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, Werner syndrome, Cockaynesyndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome; and the like.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

The SGLT2 inhibitors used in the present invention include drugs thatinhibit reabsorption of glucose by SGLT2. More specific SGLT2 inhibitorsinclude low molecular weight compounds, SGLT2 expression inhibitors,SGLT2-specific binding substances, and the like.

Low Molecular Weight Compounds

The low molecular weight compounds that are the SGLT2 inhibitorsinclude, for example, canagliflozin[(1S)-1,5-Anhydro-1-C(-3{[5-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophen-2-yl]methyl}-4-methylphenyl)-D-glucitol],empagliflozin[(1S)-1,5-Anhydro-1-C-{4-chloro-3-[(4-{[(3S)-oxolan-3-yl]oxy}phenyl)methyl]phenyl}-D-glucitol],ipragliflozin[(1S)-1,5-Anhydro-1-C-{3-[(1-benzothiophen-2-yl)methyl]-4-fluorophenyl}-D-glucitol],dapagliflozin[(1S)-1,5-Anhydro-1-C-{4-chloro-3-[(4-ethoxyphenyl)methyl]phenyl}-D-glucitol],luseogliflozin[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-{5-[(4-Ethoxyphenyl)methyl]-2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl}-6-(hydroxymethyl)thiane-3,4,5-triol],tofogliflozin[(1S,3′R,4'S,5'S,6′R)-6-[(4-Ethylphenyl)methyl]-6′-(hydroxymethyl)-3′,4′,5′,6′-tetrahydro-3H-spiro[2-benzofuran-1,2′-pyran]-3′,4′,5′-triol],sergliflozin etabonate [2-(4-Methoxybenzyl)phenyl6-O-(ethoxycarbonyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside], remogliflozin etabonate[5-Methyl-1-(propan-2-yl)-4-[[4-[(propan-2-yl)oxy]phenyl]methyl]-1H-pyrazol-3-yl6-O-(ethoxycarbonyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside], ertugliflozin[(1S,2S,3S,4R,5S)-5-[4-Chloro-3-[(4-ethoxyphenyl)methyl]phenyl]-1-(hydroxymethyl)-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol],sotagliflozin [Methyl(5S)-5-C-[4-chloro-3-[(4-ethoxyphenyl)methyl]phenyl]-1-thio-β-L-xylopyranoside],and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds can beproduced by known production methods or by any production methods inwhich the known production methods are modified.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the low molecular weightcompounds that are the SGLT2 inhibitors include, for example, salts withalkali metals such as lithium, sodium, and potassium; salts with Group 2metals such as calcium and magnesium; salts with zinc or aluminum; saltswith amines such as ammonia, choline, diethanolamine, lysine,ethylenediamine, t-butylamine, t-octylamine,tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, N-methyl-glucosamine, triethanolamine,and dehydroabiethylamine; salts with inorganic acids such ashydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulfuric acid,nitric acid, and phosphoric acid; salts with organic acids such asformic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid,succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, malic acid,tartaric acid, citric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid,and benzenesulfonic acid; salts with acidic amino acids such as asparticacid and glutamic acid; and the like.

In addition, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the low molecularweight compounds that are the SGLT2 inhibitors include intramolecularsalts, hydrates, and cocrystals with L-proline, etc., solvates with(2S)-propane-1,2-diol, etc., and the like, of the low molecular weightcompounds.

SGLT2 Expression Inhibitors

The SGLT2 expression inhibitors include, for example, siRNA, shRNA,miRNA, ribozymes, antisense nucleic acids, low molecular weightcompounds, and the like. Expression of SGLT2 can be inhibited byadministering such expression inhibitors.

siRNA (small interfering RNA) is a small double-stranded RNA consistingof 21 to 23 base pairs that is used for gene silencing by RNAinterference.

siRNA binds to RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) after having beenintroduced into a cell. This complex binds to and cleaves mRNA having asequence complementary to the siRNA. As a result, gene expression issuppressed in a sequence-specific manner.

siRNA can be produced by synthesizing a sense strand oligonucleotide andan antisense strand oligonucleotide respectively using a DNA/RNAautomated synthesizer, and then, for example, denaturing them for about1 minute at 90° C. to 95° C. in a suitable annealing buffer andannealing them for about 1 to 8 hours at 30° C. to 70° C.

Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a hairpin RNA sequence that is used forgene silencing by RNA interference. shRNA may be introduced into a cellwith a vector and expressed with a U6 promoter or H1 promoter, or may beprepared by synthesizing an oligonucleotide having an shRNA sequenceusing a DNA/RNA automated synthesizer and self-annealing the obtainedoligonucleotides using the similar method as that of siRNA. The hairpinstructure of shRNA introduced into the cell is cleaved to siRNA andbinds to RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). This complex binds to andcleaves mRNA having a sequence complementary to the siRNA. As a result,gene expression is suppressed in a sequence-specific manner.

miRNA (microRNA) is a functional nucleic acid that is encoded on agenome and finally becomes microRNA consisting of about 20 bases througha multistage formation process. miRNA is classified as a functionalncRNA (non-coding RNA, a generic term for RNA that will not betranslated into protein) and plays an important role in the biologicalphenomenon in respect of the regulation of expression of other genes.Administration of miRNA having a specific base sequence into a livingbody can inhibit SGLT2 expression.

Ribozyme is an RNA that has catalytic activity. Ribozymes have varioustypes of activity, and study on ribozymes as enzymes that cleave RNAallows us to design ribozymes for the purpose of site-specific cleavageof RNA. Ribozyme may consist of 400 nucleotides or more, such as Group Iintron and M1RNA contained in RNaseP, or may consist of about 40nucleotides such as the hammerhead or the hairpin.

The antisense nucleic acid is a nucleic acid complementary to a targetsequence. The antisense nucleic acid can inhibit expression of a targetgene by: inhibiting initiation of transcription by forming a triplex;suppressing transcription by forming a hybrid with a site where an openloop structure has been locally formed by RNA polymerase; inhibitingtranscription by forming a hybrid with RNA which is about to besynthesized; suppressing splicing by forming a hybrid at the intron-exonjunction; suppressing splicing by forming a hybrid with a spliceosomeformation site; suppressing migration from the nucleus to the cytoplasmby forming a hybrid with mRNA; suppressing splicing by forming a hybridwith a capping site or poly(A) addition site; suppressing initiation oftranslation by forming a hybrid with a translation initiation factorbinding site; suppressing translation by forming a hybrid with aribosome binding site near the start codon; inhibiting peptide chainelongation by forming a hybrid with an mRNA coding region or polysomebinding site; suppressing gene expression by forming a hybrid with aninteraction site between a nucleic acid and protein; or the like.

The siRNA, shRNA, miRNA, ribozyme, and antisense nucleic acid maycontain various chemical modifications so as to improve stability oractivity. For example, a phosphate residue may be substituted with achemically-modified phosphate residue, such as phosphorothioate (PS),methylphosphonate and phosphorodithionate, in order to preventdecomposition by hydrolases such as nucleases. In addition, at least aportion thereof may be composed of a nucleic acid analog such as peptidenucleic acid (PNA).

SGLT2-Specific Binding Substances

The SGLT2-specific binding substances include substances thatspecifically bind to SGLT2 and inhibit the function thereof, forexample, antibodies, antibody fragments, aptamers, and the like. Forexample, the antibody can be prepared by immunizing an animal such as amouse with SGLT2 protein or a fragment thereof as an antigen.Alternatively, for example, the antibody can be prepared by screening aphage library. The antibody fragment includes Fv, Fab, scFv, and thelike. The antibody is preferably a monoclonal antibody. In addition, theantibody may be a commercially available antibody. The aptamer is asubstance having an ability to bind specifically to a target substance.The aptamer includes a nucleic acid aptamer, a peptide aptamer, and thelike. The nucleic acid aptamer having an ability to bind specifically toa target peptide can be selected by, for example, a technique such assystematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment (SELEX), andthe like. In addition, the peptide aptamer having an ability to bindspecifically to a target peptide can be selected by, for example, atechnique such as the two-hybrid method using yeast, and the like.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition for eliminating senescent cells, comprising the SGLT2inhibitor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The senescent cellscan be eliminated by administering the pharmaceutical composition ofthis embodiment. In addition, by eliminating the senescent cells,diseases in which the disease state is expected to be improved byeliminating senescent cells, preferably senescence-related diseases, canalso be prevented or treated. Namely, this embodiment also providespharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of diseasesin which the disease state is expected to be improved by eliminatingsenescent cells.

The pharmaceutical composition of this embodiment may be formulated intoa dosage form to be used orally or parenterally. For example, the dosageform to be used orally includes a tablet, a capsule, an elixir, amicrocapsule, and the like. For example, the dosage form to be usedparenterally includes an injection, an ointment, a patch, and the like.

As the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, any carriers can be usedwithout any particular limitations as long as they are conventionallyused in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. For example,more specific examples thereof include binders, such as gelatin,cornstarch, tragacanth gum, and gum arabic; excipients such as starchand crystalline cellulose; swelling agents such as alginate; injectionsolvents, such as water, ethanol, and glycerin; adhesives such asrubber-based adhesives and silicone-based adhesives; and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition may contain an additive. The additiveincludes a lubricant such as calcium stearate and magnesium stearate; asweetener, such as sucrose, lactose, saccharin, and maltitol; aflavoring agent such as peppermint and wintergreen oil; a stabilizersuch as benzyl alcohol and phenol; a buffer such as phosphate and sodiumacetate; a solubilizing agent such as benzyl benzoate and benzylalcohol; an antioxidant; a preservative; and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition can be formulated by suitably combiningthe SGLT2 inhibitor, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and wherenecessary, the additive, and mixing them in a unit dosage form requiredfor a generally accepted pharmaceutical implementation.

The subjects to which the SGLT2 inhibitors are administered include, butare not limited to, humans, monkeys, dogs, cows, horses, sheep, pigs,rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and cells thereof. Amongthese, mammals or mammalian cells are preferable, and human or humancells are particularly preferable.

The dose of the SGLT2 inhibitor cannot be determined uniformly since itvaries according to the specific subject to be administered, and thesymptom, body weight, age, gender, or the like, of the subject. In thecase of oral administration, for example, about 0.1 mg to about 100mg/kg body weight of the SGLT2 inhibitor may be administered per a unitdosage form for adults. In the case of the injection, for example, about0.01 mg to about 50 mg of the SGLT2 inhibitor may be administered per aunit dosage form for adults.

In addition, the daily dose of the SGLT2 inhibitor cannot be determineduniformly since it varies according to the specific subject to beadministered, and the symptom, body weight, age, gender, or the like, ofthe subject. For example, about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg/kg bodyweight/day of the SGLT2 inhibitor may be administered once a day ordivided into about two to three times per day for adults.

The SGLT2 inhibitor according to the present invention may be used incombination with at least one agent selected from the group consistingof agents for eliminating senescent cells other than the SGLT2inhibitors and other therapeutic agents for diseases. The SGLT2inhibitor and the other agent can be in the same formulation or be inseparate formulations. In addition, each formulation can be administeredby the same administration route or by separate administration routes.The administration routes include, for example, oral and injection.Further, each formulation can be administered simultaneously,sequentially, or separately with a time or period interval. In oneembodiment, the SGLT2 inhibitor and the other agent may be into a kitcomprising them.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is described hereinafter in more detail by use ofExamples, and however, the following Examples should not limit thepresent invention in any way.

Experimental Example 1 Preparation of Obesity Model Mice

Four-week-old wild-type mice (C57BL/6NCr) were fed with high fat dietsfor 8 weeks to prepare diet-induced obesity model mice. Then,canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, was administered orally to theprepared obesity model mice by mixing with the diet at the concentrationof 0.03% w/w (hereinafter referred to as “high fat diet+SGLT2i group”).

For comparison, four-week-old wild-type mice (C57BL/6NCr) fed withnormal diets for 8 weeks (hereinafter referred as “normal diet group”)and obesity model mice prepared in the same manner as described abovewith the exception of not administering canagliflozin (hereinafterreferred to as “high fat diet group”) were prepared.

Experimental Example 2 Study on Senescence-Associated Acidicβ-Galactosidase Activity

The visceral adipose tissues (epididymal adipose tissues) were collectedfrom the mice of each group one week after starting administration ofcanagliflozin in Experimental Example 1.

Then, the senescent cells in the visceral adipose tissues collected fromthe mice of each group were detected according to the conventionalmethod (Dimri, G. P. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 92(20),9363-9367, 1995). Specifically, each of the visceral adipose tissues wasstained with senescence-associated acidic β-galactosidase and thesenescent cells were detected. The senescent cells were stained blue bythis staining.

The results are shown in FIGS. 1A TO 1C. FIG. 1A shows the result forthe mice of the normal diet group. The scale bar indicates 5 mm. FIG. 1Bshows the result for the mice of the high fat diet group. FIG. 1C showsthe result for the mice of the high fat diet+SGLT2i group.

As a result, it was shown that administration of the SGLT2 inhibitorsignificantly decreased the senescent cells in the visceral adiposetissue within the short period of one week. The senescent cells weredecreased within the short period, and therefore, administration of theSGLT2 inhibitor was considered to have eliminated the senescent cells.In addition, alleviation of inflammation at the visceral fat was alsoobserved in the mice of the high fat diet+SGLT2i group.

Experimental Example 3 Study on Expression Level of p53 Protein

p53 protein is known to play a central role as a senescence acceleratingmolecule that accelerates cellular senescence. The inventor haspreviously shown that the cellular senescence reaction through anincrease of p53 signal in the visceral adipose tissue was accelerated byadding obesity stress, thereby inducing inflammation of the visceralfat, causing systemic dysmetabolism, and forming or deteriorating thedisease state of diabetes. Therefore, expression of p53 protein inadipose tissues of obesity model mice was examined.

Specifically, expression level of p53 protein was measured by Westernblotting using a portion of the visceral adipose tissues collected inExperimental Example 2. Type 1C12 (CST) was used as the anti-p53antibody. Anti-j-actin antibody (type 13E5, CST) was used as theantibody to detect β-actin protein, which is the loading control.

FIG. 2 is photographs showing the results of the Western blotting.

As a result, it has been shown that the expression level of p53 in thevisceral adipose tissue was significantly lowered by administering theSGLT2 inhibitor to the obesity model mice. This result further supportsthat the senescent cells are eliminated by administering the SGLT2inhibitor.

Experimental Example 4

Study on mRNA Expression Levels of Senescence Markers p21 (Cdkn1a) andp16 (Cdkn2a)

mRNA expression of p21 and p16, which play important roles as senescencesignals, in addition to p53, was examined.

Specifically, RNA was extracted with RNA-Bee™ (Tel-Test) from a portionof the visceral adipose tissue (epididymal adipose tissue) collectedfrom the mice of each group 3 days and 1 week after startingadministration of canagliflozin. The collected RNA was quantified byNanodrop (Thermo), and cDNA was then prepared from 1 μg of the RNA usingQuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit (Quiagen). This cDNA was used toquantify the relative expression of mRNAs of p21 and p16 using Actb asthe housekeeping gene by quantitative RT-PCR method using Light Cycler480 (Roche), and TaqMan Universal Probe Library and the Light CyclerMaster (Roche). The primers for each RNA were designed using the Probefinder on the Roche website.

FIG. 3 is graphs showing the results of the quantitative RT-PCR. Theadministration of the SGLT2 inhibitor significantly suppressed theincrease of p21 mRNA levels due to high fat diet-fed, and a similartrend was observed for p16. The results also strongly suggested that thesenescent cells were eliminated by the SGLT2 inhibitor.

Experimental Example 5 Study on Effects on Adipose Inflammation andOxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue

In obese visceral adipose tissues, macrophage-based inflammatory cellinfiltration occurs, and a characteristic structure, called crown-likestructure (CLS), in which macrophages surround and phagocytose/processadipocytes that have been led to cellular death is observed, andoxidative stress is increased. Therefore, effects of the SGLT2 inhibitoron adipose senescence and adipose inflammation in white adipose tissuesof obese model mice were examined.

Specifically, a portion of the visceral fat collected in ExperimentalExample 4 was immersed and fixed with 10% Mildform (Wako) for at least24 hours. The sample was dehydrated and embedded in paraffin, and slicedinto 5-μm thick. The slices were stuck on slides and subjected tohematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, dihydroethidium (DHE) staining, orimmunofluorescent staining with F4/80 antibody. The stained slices wereimaged using Biorevo (Keyence Co.), or where necessary, using confocalmicroscopy. For the HE staining, the images were photographed at 400×magnification, and the mean number of the crown like structures per one40× field of view was counted as well. For the DHE staining, thepercentage (%) of a red color value equal to or greater than a certainvalue relative to a randomly photographed 400× image per one field ofview was measured using ImageJ. For the Immunofluorescent staining withF4/80 antibody, percentage (%) of F4/80 positive cells per nucleus inone field of view was measured. In addition, mRNAs of CCL2 and TNFα werequantified by quantitative RT-PCR method according to the methoddescribed in Experimental Example 4.

FIG. 4A is photographs showing the result of the HE staining. The scalebar indicates 200 μm. FIG. 4B is a graph showing the result of countingthe number of CLS. The infiltration of macrophages and the CLSstructures which had been enhanced by the high fat diet-fed weresignificantly decreased by administering the SGLT2 inhibitor.

FIG. 5A is photographs showing the results of evaluating oxidativestress by the DHE staining. The scale bar indicates 100 μm. FIG. 5B is agraph showing the result of measuring the DHE positive area. Theoxidative stress which had been enhanced by the high fat diet was alsosignificantly suppressed by administering the SGLT2 inhibitor.

FIG. 6A is graphs showing the results of the quantitative RT-PCR. FIG.6B is photographs showing the immunofluorescent staining with F4/80. Theadministration of the SGLT2 inhibitor tended to decrease the mRNAexpression of inflammation-related molecules such as CCL2 and TNFαalthough macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue remained. From theabove results, it was revealed that the SGLT2 inhibitor also decreasedadipose inflammation and oxidative stress in obese models as the adiposesenescence was improved.

Experimental Example 6

Study on Effects on Senescence Signals in Organs Other than VisceralAdipose Tissue

Whether the SGLT2 inhibitor also exerts inhibitory effects on senescencesignals in organs other than visceral adipose tissue was examined.

Specifically, mRNA expression levels of p16 and p21 in heart, kidney,skeletal muscle (quadriceps), and brown adipose tissue, which werecollected from the same mice when the visceral adipose tissue wascollected in Experimental Example 2, were quantified using the samemethods described in Experimental Example 4.

FIG. 7 is graphs showing the results of the quantitative RT-PCR. Theadministration of the SGLT2 inhibitor tended to decrease mRNA levels ofp21 in the heart, p16 and p21 in the kidney, p21 in the skeletal muscle,and p16 in the brown adipose tissue, respectively. From the results, itwas considered that the SGLT2 inhibitor exerted the effect ofeliminating the senescent cells even in a plurality of organs other thanthe visceral adipose tissue.

Experimental Example 7 Study in Atherosclerotic Model Mice

Whether the SGLT2 inhibitor exerts an effect to eliminate senescentcells in blood vessels of atherosclerotic model mice was examined.

Four-week-old ApoE-deficient (ApoE^(−/−)) mice were fed with high fatdiets for 12 weeks, followed by oral administration of canagliflozin, anSGLT2 inhibitor, mixed in the diet at the concentration of 0.03% w/w(hereinafter referred to as “HFD+SGLT2i group”). For comparison, thesame mice as described above with the exception of not administeringcanagliflozin (hereinafter referred to as “HFD group”) were prepared.The blood vessels (from the aorta base to the descending aorta on thediaphragm) were collected from the mice of each group 2 weeks afterstarting administration of canagliflozin. Subsequently, the senescentcells in blood vessels collected from the mice of each group weredetected according to the method described in Experimental Example 2.The stainability was measured at a part ranging from the ascending aortato the branch of the arch left subclavian artery.

FIG. 8A is photographs showing the results of senescence-associated3-galactosidase staining. The scale bar indicates 2 mm. FIG. 8B is agraph showing the results of quantifying the senescence-relatedβ-galactosidase stainability of the blood vessels. The administration ofthe SGLT2 inhibitor decreased the senescent cells stained blue, and itwas shown that the senescent cells were also eliminated in bloodvessels.

Experimental Example 8 Study in Progeria Model Mice

Canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, mixed in a diet at the concentrationof 0.03% w/w was orally administered to 13-week-old Hutchinson-Gilfordprogeria model mice (Zmpste24-deficient mice), and the general conditionof the mice was observed.

When comparing the canagliflozin-treated progeria model mice(hereinafter referred to as “KO+SGLT2i”) at 3 to 4 weeks after startingadministration of canagliflozin and the progeria model mice withoutcanagliflozin administration (hereinafter referred to as “KO”),deterioration of hair consistency and alopecia were observed in the KO,but they were reduced in the KO+SGLT2i. The results were considered tosuggest the possibility of administration of SGLT2 inhibitor to suppressthe progress of the disease states of the progeria model mice.

Experimental Example 9 Study in Cultured Senescent Cells

As a result of metabolome analysis of blood and various tissues of micein which the senescent cells were decreased by short-term administrationof the SGLT2 inhibitor, the increase of ketone body concentration inblood and each tissue and the significant increase of AICAR(5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside) in blood wereobserved. It is known that SGLT2 inhibition accelerates fatty acidoxidation and suppresses glycolysis, and that acceleration of glycolysisis observed in senescent cells. Then, whether 3-hydroxybutyrate(hereinafter referred to as “3HB”), AICAR (hereinafter referred to as“AIC”), and 2-deoxyglucose (hereinafter referred to as “2DG”) that hasan inhibitory effect on glycolysis have effects to induce apoptosis ofsenescent cells were examined.

Specifically, human umbilical cord vein derived vascular endothelialcells (HUVECs, Lonza) were cultured in a prescribed culture medium(EBM-2/EGM-2, Lonza). Less than 10 passages were defined as young and 15passages or more were defined as aged. For young or aged HUVEC, 2DG,3HB, and AIC were added to the culture solutions at the concentrationsof 1 mM, 20 mM, and 200 μM, respectively, and the cells were harvestedafter 48 hours. The collected cells were evaluated for viability byfluorescence/absorbance measurements using ApoTox-Glo™ Triplex Assay kit(Promega). Dead cells were stained using AnnexinV (Becton & Dickinson(BD)), PI (Sigma-Aldrich), and Hoechst 33258 (Invitrogen), and thepercentage of apoptosis-induced cells was quantified by FACS analysis.

FIG. 9 is graphs showing cell viability and the percentage of apoptoticcells when 2DG, 3HB, or AIC was added and when no reagents were added(Con) to the young and the aged HUVECs. Relative to Con, 2DG and 3HBwere shown to increase the apoptosis induction and to cause the decreaseof the cell viability in an aged cell-selective manner. AIC also showedincreased apoptosis induction and decreased cell viability, but they arenot in an aged cell-selective manner as with seen in 2DG and 3HB, andrather, AIC exerted more potent effects in the young cells. The aboveresults showed that 2DG and 3HB had an effect to eliminate senescentcells in an aged cell-selective manner, and suggested the possibilitythat SGLT2 inhibitor should eliminate senescent cells through theinhibition of glycolysis and the increase of the ketone body.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, senescent cells can be eliminatedand a disease in which the disease state is expected to be improved byeliminating the senescent cells can be prevented and/or treated.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the matters writtenherein in the singular form can be used in multiple unless the contextclearly means otherwise.

It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that anymodifications can be made to the embodiments described herein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention, and such modifications areencompassed within the scope of the present invention.

This application claims priority of Patent Application No. 2016-167679filed in Japan, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

1. A method for preventing or treating a disease in which the diseasestate is expected to be improved by eliminating senescent cells,comprising administrating an effective amount of an SGLT2 inhibitor to asubject in need thereof.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein theSGLT 2 inhibitor is at least one selected from the group consisting oflow molecular weight compounds, SGLT2 expression inhibitors, andSGLT2-specific binding substances.
 3. The method according to claim 1,wherein the SGLT 2 inhibitor is at least one selected from the groupconsisting of canagliflozin, empagliflozin, ipragliflozin,dapagliflozin, luseogliflozin, tofogliflozin, sergliflozin etabonate,remogliflozin etabonate, ertugliflozin, sotagliflozin, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 4. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the SGLT2 inhibitor is administered as a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the disease state is asenescence-related disease.
 6. The method according to claim 5, whereinthe senescence-related disease is at least one selected from the groupconsisting of heart failure, arteriosclerosis, arterioscleroticcerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cerebralinfarction, cerebral hemorrhage, dyslipidemia, pulmonary fibrosis,emphysema, skeletal muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), osteoarthritis,dementia, frailty, cancer, chronic kidney disease, cataract, glaucoma,age-related macular degeneration, presbyopia, age-related alopecia,age-related hearing loss, pain associated with aging such as lumbar painand joint pain, asteatotic eczema, cutaneous pruritus, fatty liver,nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, osteoporosis,osteoarthropathy, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, Werner syndrome,Cockayne syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the senescence-related disease is at leastone selected from the group consisting of Hutchinson-Gilford progeriasyndrome, Werner syndrome, Cockayne syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomsonsyndrome.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein thesenescence-related disease is at least one selected from the groupconsisting of skeletal muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), dementia, andfrailty.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the methodselectively reduces or eliminates senescent cells.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the SGLT2 inhibitor is canagliflozin. 11.The method according to claim 1, wherein the method suppresses anincrease of expression of p53, p16 and/or p21.